Composite absorbent members

ABSTRACT

A composite absorbent member containing layers that have a controlled pore size distribution is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the composite absorbent member has an inner layer and two outer layers, in which the inner layer has a higher weight percentage of pulp fibers than the outer layers and also contains smaller pores than the outer layers. In this embodiment, the resulting composite member can have a fast intake rate, less leakage, reduced rewetting, and reduced bunching and twisting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Absorbent articles (e.g., incontinent devices; sanitary napkins,also referred to as catamenial or feminine pads; pantiliners;pantishields; and the like) are devices often used by a female to absorbthe flow of body fluids, such as menses, blood, urine, and otherexcrements. For instance, absorbent articles sometimes include aliquid-permeable cover, an absorbent core, and a liquid-impermeablebaffle. The absorbent core typically contains an airlaid cellulosictissue disposed adjacent to the baffle that acts as a pad-shaping layer.

[0002] However, one problem with many conventional absorbent articles isthat they tend to twist and bunch when worn. For instance, as a womanmoves, many conventional absorbent articles squeeze between the thighsand result in deformation of the article, thereby causing the uppersurface of the article to acquire a curved or convex shape. Thistwisting and bunching is often referred to as “roping” because acylindrical profile is imparted to the absorbent article. Roping cancause the absorbent article to absorb less body fluid that contacts itsupper surface. Specifically, the fluid discharged from the vagina oftenruns off the “roped” absorbent article before it can be absorbed,thereby leaking onto the undergarment. This is undesired because itcauses discomfort and reduces absorbency.

[0003] As such, a need currently exists for an improved absorbentarticle that can resist bunching and twisting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, acomposite absorbent member is disclosed that has a first layerpositioned between second and third layers. The weight percentage ofpulp fibers within the first layer is greater than the weight percentageof pulp fibers within the second and third layers. In some embodiments,for example, the amount of pulp fibers present within the first layercan be at least about 10% greater, and in some embodiments, 25% greaterthan the weight percentage of pulp fibers present within the secondlayer and the third layer. Moreover, the average diameter of the poreswithin the first layer is smaller than the average diameter of the poreswithin the second and third layers. In some embodiments, the averagepore size within the first layer can be at least about 10% smaller, insome embodiments at least about 25% smaller, and in some embodiments, atleast about 50% smaller than the average pore size in the second and thethird layer. The basis weight of the composite absorbent member can alsovary, such as from about 50 grams per square meter to about 350 gramsper square meter, in some embodiments from about 150 grams per squaremeter to about 250 grams per square meter, and in some embodiments, fromabout 150 grams per square meter to about 200 grams per square meter.

[0005] As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered thata composite absorbent member can be formed to have a controlled poresize distribution so that the absorbent member is provided with avariety of different characteristics, such as an enhanced fluid intakerate and reduced rewetting. Further, the composite absorbent member canalso have an Edge Compression value of greater than about 100 grams, insome embodiments between about 150 grams to about 800 grams, and in someembodiments, between about 300 grams to about 600 grams.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,an absorbent article is disclosed that comprises a liquid-permeablecover and a liquid-impermeable baffle. An absorbent core is positionedbetween the liquid-permeable cover and the liquid-impermeable baffle.The absorbent core includes a composite absorbent member containingfirst and second adjacent layers that each contain thermoplastic fibersand pulp fibers. The weight percentage of pulp fibers within the firstlayer is greater than the weight percentage of pulp fibers within thesecond layer, and the average diameter of the pores within the firstlayer is smaller than the average diameter of the pores within thesecond layer.

[0007] Besides containing a composite absorbent member, the absorbentcore may also contain other components. For instance, in one embodiment,the absorbent core can include an intake member. If desired, the intakemember may be positioned adjacent to the liquid-permeable cover.Moreover, the absorbent core may also include a transfer delay memberpositioned adjacent to the intake member. In such embodiments, thecomposite absorbent member may, if desired, be positioned between thetransfer delay member and the liquid-impermeable baffle.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussedin greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill inthe art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of thespecification, which makes reference to the appended figures in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of one embodiment of acomposite absorbent member of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a method for forming acomposite absorbent member for use in the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a composite absorbent memberformed according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0013]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an absorbent articleformed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specificationand drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features orelements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Reference now will be made in detail to various embodiments ofthe invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment, can be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

[0016] In general, the present invention is directed to a compositeabsorbent member that can be used in or as an absorbent article, such asan incontinent device, sanitary napkin, etc. The composite absorbentmember has a controlled pore size distribution within one or more layersto improve the fluid intake rate of the absorbent member and inhibitrewetting. In addition, the composite absorbent member can also berelatively resistant to twisting and bunching. In one embodiment, forexample, the composite absorbent member is a multi-layered coformmaterial.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1., for example, one embodiment of a compositeabsorbent member formed according to the present invention isillustrated. In this embodiment, the absorbent member 22 contains twoouter layers 70 and 72 and in inner layer 74 that form a unitary,composite structure. It should be understood, however, that thecomposite absorbent member 22 can contain any number of layers desired.For example, in one embodiment, the absorbent member 22 can contain fourlayers. In the illustrated embodiment, each layer contains a mixture ofpulp fibers and a synthetic polymer. Typically, it is desired that theouter layers 70 and 72 contain a lesser amount of pulp fibers than theinner layer 74 such that the outer layers 70 and 72 are more hydrophobicthan the inner layer 74. Thus, for example, the layer 74 can containbetween about 10% to about 90%, in some embodiments from about 20% toabout 80%, and in some embodiments, from about 30% to about 70% byweight thermoplastic polymeric fibers. Likewise, the layers 70 and 72can contain between about 90% to about 10%, in some embodiments betweenabout 80% to about 20%, and in some embodiments, between about 70% toabout 30% by weight pulp fibers.

[0018] To form a composite material having such a fiber content, any ofa variety of processes may be utilized. For instance, in one embodiment,a multi-bank airlaying process may be used. In another embodiment, a“coform” process may be utilized. As used herein, the term “coform”generally refers to continuous melt-spun fibers (e.g., meltblown orspunbond fibers) intermixed with an absorbent material. For example, themelt-spun fibers can be intermixed with staple length fibers, such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,118,531; 4,100,324 and 4,655,757. Furtherthe melt-spun fibers, in some instances, may be intermixed withsuperabsorbent particulates, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.3,971,373. Such superabsorbent materials may be used in combination withthe microfibers and staple fibers or in lieu of the staple fibers.

[0019] Any of a variety of synthetic polymers may be utilized as themelt-spun component of the coform material. For instance, in someembodiments, thermoplastic polymers can be utilized. Some examples ofsuitable thermoplastics that can be utilized include polyolefins, suchas polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and the like; polyamides;and polyesters. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer ispolypropylene. Moreover, some suitable absorbent materials that can beused in the coform material include staple fibers, such as polyester,rayon, cotton, pulp fibers, and the like. Pulp fibers are generallyobtained from natural sources such as woody and non-woody plants. Woodyplants include, for example, deciduous and coniferous trees. Non-woodyplants include, for example, cotton, flax, esparto grass, milkweed,straw, jute, and bagasse. In addition, synthetic wood pulp fibers arealso available and may be used with the present invention. Wood pulpfibers typically have lengths of about 0.5 to about 10 micrometers and alength-to-maximum width ratio of about 10/1 to about 400/1. A typicalcross-section has an irregular width of about 30 micrometers and athickness of about 5 micrometers.

[0020] For example, referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment for forming acomposite coform material with a differential pulp fiber content isillustrated. As shown, a forming apparatus 110 is composed of threemeltblown units 120, 121, and 230, and a movable foraminous beltapparatus 123, such as a wire belt. The meltblown apparatus 120 iscomposed of a die head 122 through which air streams 124 and 126 pass. Asupply device 128 delivers a polymer to an extruder 130 for delivery tothe die head 122. The polymer leaves the extruder head 122 and iscombined with a primary air stream 132, where the fine polymer streamsleaving the die head 122 are attenuated by the converging flows of highvelocity heated gas (usually air) supplied through nozzles 124 and 126to break the polymer streams into discontinuous microfibers of smalldiameter. The die head 122 typically includes at least one straight rowof extrusion apertures.

[0021] In general, the resulting microfibers have an average fiberdiameter of up to about 10 microns. The average diameter of themicrofibers is usually greater than about 1 micron and within the rangeof about 2 to about 6 microns, often averaging about 5 microns. Whilethe microfibers are predominantly discontinuous, they generally have alength exceeding that normally associated with pulp fibers.

[0022] The primary gas stream 132 is merged with a secondary gas stream140 containing individualized pulp fibers so as to integrate the twodifferent fibrous materials in a single step. The individualized woodpulp fibers typically have a length of about 0.5 to about 10 micrometersand a length to maximum width ratio of about 10:1 to about 400:1. Atypical cross-section has an irregular width of about 10 microns and athickness of about 5 microns. In the illustrated arrangement, thesecondary gas stream 140 is formed by a pulp sheet divellicatingapparatus, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,793,678 to Appel. Thisapparatus contains a conventional picker roll 142 having picking teethfor divellicating pulp sheets 144 into individual fibers. The pulpsheets 144 are fed radially along a picker roll radius to the pickerroll 142. It is the teeth of the picker roll 142 that allocate the pulpsheets 144 into individual fibers, the resulting separated fibers areconveyed toward the primary air stream 132 through a nozzle or duct 148.A housing 150 covers the picker roll 142. A passageway 152 providesprocess air to the picker roll in sufficient quantity to provide amedium for conveying the fibers through the forming duct 148 at avelocity approaching that of the picker teeth. The air may be suppliedby conventional device, e.g., a blower not shown. Typically, theindividual fibers should be conveyed through the duct 148 atsubstantially the same velocity at which they leave the picker teethafter separation from the pulp sheets 144.

[0023] The air stream 132 having pulp fibers from the stream 148incorporated therein is then placed onto a moving belt 220 that passesbeneath the forming die 122 as the microfibers and air stream aredirected downwardly. The foraminous belt 160 is provided with suctionboxes 162, 164, and 226 driven by blowers that withdraw air from beneaththe foraminous belt 220 and provide for uniform laydown of the fibersonto the belt. Two rolls 222 and 224 support the belt 220. Whileillustrated with three suction devices, the number and size of thesuction devices below the belt may be varied.

[0024] As illustrated, the meltblowing device 120 lays down a layer ofmeltblown polymer fibers having pulp fibers entangled therein as layer72. This passes beneath a second meltblowing device 121 where a secondlayer 74 is placed thereon and joined to the layer 72.

[0025] The layer 74 is formed by the device 121 that is composed of anextruder 174 fed by a material supply device 177. The extruder 174 feedsto a die head 176 that is generally similar to the die head 122, havinghigh velocity air nozzles for supplying air to the extrusion stream 182.As the air streams from the nozzles 178 and 180 merge into the stream182 and entrain the extruded fibers, they are meltblown into microfibersand mixed with a stream of wood fibers 184, exiting through the nozzle186 from the picker device 188. In the picker device 188, the pickerroll 190 rotates and divellicates pulp sheets 192 as they are unrolledfrom a supply roll 194. The pulp sheets are divellicated and passedthrough the nozzle 186 to join the meltblown stream 182. Process air issupplied through the duct 198 of the picker roll housing 188.

[0026] As illustrated, the meltblowing device 121 lays down a layer ofmeltblown polymer fibers having pulp fibers entangled therein as layer74. This passes beneath a third meltblowing device 230 where a thirdlayer 70 is placed thereon and joined to the layer 74.

[0027] The layer 70 is formed by the device 230 that is composed of anextruder 232 fed by a material supply device 234. The extruder 232 feedsto a die head 236 that is generally similar to the die heads 122 and176, having high velocity air nozzles for supplying air to the extrusionstream 260. As the air streams from the nozzles 240 and 238 merge intothe stream 260 and entrain the extruded fibers, they are meltblown intomicrofibers and mixed with a stream of wood fibers 242, exiting throughthe nozzle 258 from the picker device 244. In the picker device 244, thepicker roll 246 rotates and divellicates pulp sheets 250 as they areunrolled from a supply roll 252. The pulp sheets are divellicated andpassed through the nozzle 258 to join the meltblown stream 260. Processair is supplied through the duct 248 of the picker roll housing 244.After leaving the support roller 224, the composite structure of layers70, 72, and 74 may be further processed by known devices, such ascutters and stackers.

[0028] When laid down, the fibers of the layer 74 becomes somewhatentangled with fibers on the surface of the layer 72 and the fibers ofthe layer 70 become somewhat entangled with fibers on the surface of thelayer 74 such that a composite structure is formed. For instance,referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a three-layered compositeabsorbent member is depicted. As shown, the layers 70, 72, and 74 areeach composed of an entangled structure of pulp fibers and meltblownpolymer fibers that are joined at areas 75. In addition to containingthree layers, it should also be understood that the composite materialmay also contain other layers as well. For example, in one embodiment, afive-layered composite material can be formed in a manner similar tothat described above and shown in FIG. 2, except that two additionalmeltblown units would be utilized. Various methods for forming suchcomposite coform materials are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,757 toMcFarland, et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference thereto for all purposes.

[0029] By containing such a differential fiber content in each of thelayers, such as described above, the composite absorbent member of thepresent invention can possess a variety of different beneficialproperties. For example, as discussed above, the outer layers 70 and 72can each contain a lesser amount of pulp fibers than the inner layer 74such that the outer layers 70 and 72 are relatively hydrophobic and theinner layer 74 is relatively hydrophilic. Moreover, by varying the fibercontent in each layer, the pore size distribution of the layers can alsobe readily controlled. Specifically, layers having a relatively largeamount of pulp fibers tend to have smaller pore sizes. Although notlimited in theory, it is believed that this is the result of a greaterlevel of hydrogen bonding within a layer containing more pulp fibers,thus causing the fibers to be located closer in proximity to each otherso that smaller pores are formed. On the other hand, layers having lesspulp fibers tend to display less hydrogen bonding, thereby causinglarger pores to be formed.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, for example, the outer layers 70 and 72 canhave pores 81 that are relatively large in diameter, while the layer 74can have pores 83 that are relatively small in diameter. In someembodiments, the average pore size within the inner layer 74 is at leastabout 10% smaller, in some embodiments at least about 25% smaller, andin some embodiments, at least about 50% smaller than the average poresize in the outer layers 70 and 72. Due to the presence of such largerpores, the layer 70 can receive fluids at a relatively fast rate.Moreover, as a result of the hydrophobic nature of the layer 70 and thehydrophilic nature of the layer 74, fluids also tend to flow quicklythrough the layer 70 and into the inner layer 74. Once present withinthe inner layer 74, the fluids are absorbed by the hydrophilic pulpfibers. In addition, because fluids do not tend to flow in a directionfrom smaller pores to larger pores, the fluid absorbed within the innerlayer 74 does not readily flow into the outer layer 72 or back into thelayer 70, which each have pores that are relatively larger in diameterthan the pores of the inner layer 74. This allows the fluid to remainabsorbed in the inner layer 74, inhibiting rewetting of the outersurfaces.

[0031] To achieve a pore size distribution, such as described above, itis typically desired that each layer of the composite absorbent memberhave a different pore size distribution than an adjacent layer. In thismanner, the composite absorbent member can possess properties thatdiffer from layer to layer. For example, in one embodiment of athree-layered absorbent member, such as shown in FIG. 1, the inner layer74 typically contains pulp fibers in an amount of at least about 10% byweight greater than adjacent layers 70 and 72, and in some embodiments,at least about 25% by weight greater than adjacent layers 70 and 72. Asdiscussed above, by containing a greater amount of pulp fibers, theinner layer 74 is able to form smaller pores than the outer layers 70and 72.

[0032] Moreover, the outer layers 70 and/or 72 can also contain acertain content of the thermoplastic polymer such that the resultingabsorbent article can possess greater strength and stiffness to inhibitbunching and twisting of the article. For example, the Edge-wiseCompression (EC) value generally reflects the stiffness of a dryabsorbent material. Accordingly, the Edge-wise Compression value canalso reflect the ability of the absorbent article to resist twisting andbunching when positioned between the legs of the wearer, and can providea good indication of desired comfort and fit.

[0033] The method by which the Edge-wise Compression (EC) value can bedetermined is as follows. A piece of the absorbent material (e.g.,2″×12″ or 1″×10″) is cut with its longer dimension aligned with thelongitudinal direction of the product or raw material web. The weight ofthe sample is determined. The thickness of the material is determinedunder a 0.2 psi load. The material is formed into a cylinder having aheight of 2 inches and, with the two ends having 0 to about 0.125 inchoverlap, the material is stapled together with three staples. One stapleis near the middle of the width of the product and the other two nearereach edge of the width of the material. The longest dimension of thestaple is in the circumference of the formed cylinder to minimize theeffect of the staples on the testing.

[0034] An “Instron” tensile tester, or other similar instrument, isconfigured with a bottom platform, a platen larger than thecircumference of the sample to be tested and parallel to the bottomplatform, attached to a compression load cell placed in the invertedposition. The specimen is placed on the platform, under the platen. Theplaten is brought into contact with the specimen and compresses thesample at a rate of 25 mm/min. The maximum force obtained in compressingthe sample to 50% of its width (1 inch) is recorded. If the materialbuckles, it is typical for the maximum force to be reached before thesample is compressed to 50%.

[0035] If the sample has a length smaller than 12 inches (e.g., 1″×10″),certain modifications may be needed. For instance, The Handbook OfPhysical And Mechanical Testing Of Paper And Paperboard, Richard E. Markeditor, Dekker 1983, (Vol. 1) provides a detailed discussion of theedge-wise compression strength. Based on theoretical models governingbuckling stresses, in the Edge-wise Compression configuration described,the buckling stress is proportional to E*t²/(H²) with theproportionality constant being a function of H²/(R*t) where E is theElastic modulus, H is the height of the cylinder, R is the radius of thecylinder, and t is the thickness of the material. Expressing the stressin terms of force per basis weight, it can be shown that the parameterthat needs to be maintained as a constant is H²/R. Therefore, for asample that is smaller than 12 inches, the largest possible circleshould be constructed and its height (width of the sample being cut out)adjusted such that H²/R equals 2.1 inches. A description of the methodfor determining Edge-Compression values may also be found in U.S. Pat.No. 6,323,388 to Melius, et al.

[0036] In general, the absorbent member 22 has an Edge-Wise Compression(EC) value of at least about 100 grams, in some embodiments betweenabout 150 to about 800 grams, and in some embodiments, between about 300to about 600 grams. By forming the absorbent member 22 to achieve suchan Edge-Wise Compression value, the resulting absorbent article 10 canbe flexible enough to provide comfort to a user, yet stiff enough toresist bunching and twisting. The basis weight of the compositeabsorbent member 22 can also vary, such as from about 50 to about 350grams per square meters (gsm), in some embodiments from about 150 toabout 250 gsm, and in some embodiments, from about 150 to about 200 gsm.

[0037] The beneficial properties of the composite member of the presentinvention can generally be utilized in a wide variety of applications.For instance, referring to FIG. 4, the composite absorbent member 22 canbe utilized in an absorbent article 10. For purposes of descriptiononly, the absorbent article 10 is illustrated as a sanitary napkin forfeminine hygiene having generally a racetrack shape. However, it can bea pantiliner, pantishield, or any other disposable absorbent articlethat is well known in the art, and can include other shapes, such asoval, hourglass, straight sided, wrapped and peripheral sealedconstructions. It should also be noted that absorbent articles come invarious sizes and shapes and vary in thickness. For example, in someembodiments, the absorbent article 10 is between about 150 mm to about320 mm long, and between about 60 mm to about 120 mm wide and has aracetrack shape with rounded ends. Moreover, in some embodiments, theabsorbent article has a thickness or caliper of less than about 20millimeters. For example, when formed as a sanitary napkin, theabsorbent article typically has a caliper of less than about 15millimeters, in some embodiments less than about 5 millimeters, and insome embodiments, less than about 4 millimeters.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent article 10 includesa cover 12, a baffle 14, and an absorbent core 16. The absorbent core 16is positioned inward from the outer periphery of the absorbent article10 and includes a body-facing surface positioned adjacent the cover 12and a garment-facing surface positioned adjacent the baffle 14.

[0039] The cover 12 is generally designed to contact the body of theuser and is liquid-permeable. The cover 12 can surround the absorbentcore 16 so that it completely encases the absorbent article 10.Alternatively, the cover 12 and the baffle 14 can extend beyond theabsorbent core 16 and be peripherally joined together, either entirelyor partially, using known techniques. Typically, the cover 12 and thebaffle 14 are joined by adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or anyother suitable joining method known in the art.

[0040] The liquid-permeable cover 12 is sanitary, clean in appearance,and somewhat opaque to hide bodily discharges collected in and absorbedby the absorbent core 16. The cover 12 further exhibits goodstrike-through and rewet characteristics permitting bodily discharges torapidly penetrate through the cover 12 to the absorbent core 16, but notallow the body fluid to flow back through the cover 12 to the skin ofthe wearer. For example, some suitable materials that can be used forthe cover 12 include nonwoven materials, perforated thermoplastic films,or combinations thereof. A nonwoven fabric made from polyester,polyethylene, polypropylene, bicomponent, nylon, rayon, or like fibersmay be utilized. For instance, a white uniform spunbond material isparticularly desirable because the color exhibits good maskingproperties to hide menses that has passed through it. For instance, U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,801,494 to Datta, et al. and 4,908 026 to Sukiennik. et al.teach various cover materials that can be used in the present invention.

[0041] If desired, the cover 12 may also be sprayed with a surfactant toenhance liquid penetration to the absorbent core 16. The surfactant istypically non-ionic and should be non-irritating to the skin.

[0042] The cover 12 can also contain a plurality of apertures (notshown) formed therethrough to permit body fluid to pass more readilyinto the absorbent core 16. The apertures can be randomly or uniformlyarranged throughout the cover 12, or they can be located only in thenarrow longitudinal band or strip arranged along the longitudinal axisX-X of the absorbent article 10. The apertures permit rapid penetrationof body fluid down into the absorbent core 16. The size, shape, diameterany number of apertures can be varied to suit one's particular needs.

[0043] As stated above, the absorbent article also includes a baffle 14.The baffle 14 is generally liquid-impermeable and designed to face theinner surface, i.e., the crotch portion of an undergarment (not shown).The baffle 14 can permit a passage of air or vapor out of the absorbentarticle 10, while still blocking the passage of liquids. Anyliquid-impermeable material can generally be utilized to form the baffle14. For example, one suitable material that can be utilized is amicroembossed polymeric film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Inparticular embodiments, a polyethylene film is utilized that has athickness in the range of about 0.2 mils to about 5.0 mils, andparticularly between about 0.5 to about 3.0 mils.

[0044] As indicated above, the absorbent article 10 also contains anabsorbent core 16 positioned between the cover 12 and the baffle 14. Inthe illustrated embodiment, for example, the absorbent core 16 containsthree separate and distinct absorbent members 18, 20 and 22. It shouldbe understood, however, that any number of absorbent members can beutilized in the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, onlythe absorbent member 22 may be utilized.

[0045] As shown, the first absorbent member 18, or intake member, ispositioned between the cover 12 and the second absorbent member 20, ortransfer delay member. The intake member 18 represents a significantabsorbing portion of the absorbent article 10 and has the capability ofabsorbing at least about 80%, particularly about 90%, and moreparticularly about 95% of the body fluid deposited onto the absorbentarticle 10. In terms of amount of body fluid, the intake member 18 canabsorb at least about 20 grams, particularly about 25 grams, and moreparticularly, about 30 or more grams of body fluid.

[0046] The intake member 18 can generally have any shape and/or sizedesired. For example, in one embodiment, the intake member 18 has arectangular shape, with a length equal to or less than the overalllength of the absorbent article 10, and a width less than the width ofthe absorbent article 10. For example, a length of between about 150 mmto about 300 mm and a width of between about 10 mm to about 40 mm can beutilized.

[0047] Typically, the intake member 18 is made of a material that iscapable of rapidly transferring, in the z-direction, body fluid that isdelivered to the cover 12. Because the intake member 18 is generally ofa dimension narrower than the absorbent article 10, the sides of theintake member 18 are spaced away from the longitudinal sides of theabsorbent article 10 and the body fluid is restricted to the area withinthe periphery of the intake member 18 before it passes down and isabsorbed into the transfer delay member 20. This design enables the bodyfluid to be combined in the central area of the absorbent article 10 andto be wicked downward.

[0048] In general, any of a variety of different materials are capableof being used for the intake member 18 to accomplish the above-mentionedfunctions. For example, airlaid cellulosic tissues may be suitable foruse in the intake member 18. The airlaid cellulosic tissue can have abasis weight ranging from about 10 grams per square meter (gsm) to about300 gsm, and in some embodiments, between about 100 gsm to about 250gsm. In one embodiment, the airlaid cellulosic tissue has a basis weightof about 200 gsm. The airlaid tissue can be formed from hardwood and/orsoftwood fibers. The airlaid tissue has a fine pore structure andprovides an excellent wicking capacity, especially for menses.

[0049] In some embodiments, the intake member 18 may also contain asuperabsorbent material to enhance its absorption capacity.Superabsorbents have the ability to absorb a great amount of fluid inrelation to their own weight. Typical superabsorbents used in sanitarynapkins can absorb anywhere from about 5 to about 60 times their weightin blood. Superabsorbent materials are produced in a wide variety offorms including, but not limited to, particles, fibers and flakes.

[0050] It has been found that superabsorbents having a high mechanicalstability in the swollen state, an ability to rapidly absorb fluid, andones having a strong liquid binding capacity perform well in absorbentarticles. Hydroxyfunctional polymers have been found to be goodsuperabsorbents for this application. For example, a hydrogel-formingpolymer, such as a partially neutralized cross-linked copolymer ofpolyacrylic acid and polyvinyl alcohol, can be utilized. After thepolymer is formed, it is mixed with about a 1% anhydrous citric acidpowder. The citric acid has been found to increase the ability of thesuperabsorbent to absorb menses and blood. This is particularlybeneficial for use in a sanitary napkin or other feminine pads. Thefinely ground, anhydrous citric acid powder, which is void of water,along with trace amounts of fumed silica, is mixed with the polymer thatmay have been screened to an appropriate particle size. This mixture mayalso be formed into a composite or a laminate structure. Suchsuperabsorbents can be obtained from Dow Chemical, Hoechst-Celeanese,and Stockhausen, Inc., among others. This superabsorbent is a partiallyneutralized salt of cross-linked copolymer of polyacrylic acid andpolyvinyl alcohol having an absorbency under load value above about 25.

[0051] The superabsorbent typically has a high absorbency under load.That is, it typically has the ability to expand or swell under arestraining pressure, such as about 0.3 psi. The absorbency under loadvalue is a function of gel strength, osmotic pressure within the gel,and the composition of the polymer itself. The absorbency under loadvalue also pertains to the ability of the gel to swell against othersuperabsorbent particles as well as against adjacent fibers when underpressure. For purposes of this invention, a superabsorbent having a highabsorbency under load is defined as having a value of about 20 orhigher, and particularly about 25 or higher. Some suitablesuperabsorbents are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,798,603 to Meyers, etal., Re. 32,649 to Brandt, et al. and 4,467,012 to Pedersen, et al., aswell as in published European Patent Application 0,339,461 toKellenberger.

[0052] A second absorbent member 20, or transfer delay member, is alsopositioned vertically below the intake member 18. In some embodiments,the transfer delay member 20 contains a material that is lesshydrophilic than the other absorbent members, and may generally becharacterized as being substantially hydrophobic. For example, thetransfer delay member 20 may be a nonwoven fibrous web composed of arelatively hydrophobic material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene,polyester or the like, and also may be composed of a blend of suchmaterials. One example of a material suitable for the transfer delaymember 20 is a spunbond web composed of polypropylene, multi-lobalfibers. Further examples of suitable transfer delay member materialsinclude spunbond webs composed of polypropylene fibers, which may beround, tri-lobal or poly-lobal in cross-sectional shape and which may behollow or solid in structure. Typically the webs are bonded, such as bythermal bonding, over about 3% to about 30% of the web area. Otherexamples of suitable materials that may be used for the transfer delaymember 20 are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,798,603 to Meyer, et al. and5,248,309 to Serbiak, et al., which are incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference thereto for all purposes. To adjust theperformance of the invention, the transfer delay member 20 may also betreated with a selected amount of surfactant to increase its initialwettability.

[0053] The transfer delay member 20 can generally have any size, such asa length of about 150 mm to about 300 mm. Typically, the length of thetransfer delay member 20 is approximately equal to the length of theabsorbent article 10. The transfer delay member 20 can also be equal inwidth to the intake member 18, but is typically wider. For example, thewidth of the transfer delay member 20 can be from between about 50 mm toabout 75 mm, and particularly about 48 mm.

[0054] The transfer delay member 20 of the absorbent core 16 typicallyhas a basis weight less than that of the other absorbent members. Forexample, the basis weight of the transfer delay member 20 is typicallyless than about 150 grams per square meter (gsm), and in someembodiments, between about 10 gsm to about 100 gsm. In one particularembodiment, the transfer delay member 20 is formed from a spunbonded webhaving a basis weight of about 30 gsm.

[0055] Besides the above-mentioned members, the absorbent core 16 alsoincludes a composite member 22 formed according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. For example, the composite member 22 can be athree-layered coform material, such as described above and illustratedin FIG. 1. In this instance, fluids can be wicked from the transferdelay member 20 into the outer layer 70 of the composite absorbentmember 20. Because the outer layer 70 is relatively hydrophobic andcontains large pores, fluid readily flows therethrough and into theinner layer 74, where it is absorbed by the hydrophilic pulp fiberscontained therein. In addition, because the inner layer 74 has smallerpores than the outer layers 70 and 72, the fluid tends to remain in theinner layer 74, thereby inhibiting rewetting. If desired, the compositeabsorbent member 22 may be formed separately from the intake member 18and/or transfer delay member 20, or can be formed simultaneouslytherewith. In one embodiment, for example, the composite absorbentmember can be formed on the transfer delay member 20 or intake member18, which acts a carrier during the coform process described above.

[0056] The absorbent article 10 may also contain other components aswell. For instance, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the baffle14 can contain an adhesive for securing the absorbent article 10 to anundergarment. In such instances, a backing (not shown) may be utilizedto protect the adhesive side of the absorbent article 10 so that theadhesive remains clean prior to attachment to undergarment. The backingcan generally have any desired shape or dimension. For instance, thebacking can have a rectangular shape with dimension about 17 to about 21cm in length and about 6.5 to 10.5 cm in width. The backing is designedto serve as a releasable peel strip to be removed by the user prior toattachment of the absorbent article 10 to the undergarment. The backingserving as a releasable peel strip can be a white Kraft paper that iscoated on one side so that it can be released readily from the adhesiveside of the absorbent article 10. The coating can be a silicone coating,such as a silicone polymer commercially available from Akrosil ofMenasha, Wis.

[0057] Once formed, the absorbent article 10 generally functions toabsorb and retain fluids, such as menses, blood, urine, and otherexcrements discharged by the body during a menstrual period. Forexample, the intake member 18 can allow the body fluid to be wickeddownward in the z-direction and away from the cover 12 so that the cover12 retains a dry and comfortable feel to the user. Moreover, the intakemember 18 can also absorb a significant amount of the fluid. Thetransfer delay member 20 initially accepts fluid from the intake member18 and then wicks the fluid along its length and width (−x and −y axis)before releasing the fluid to the composite absorbent member 22. Thecomposite absorbent member 22 then wicks the fluid along its length andwidth (−x and −y axis) utilizing a greater extent of the absorbentcapacity than the transfer delay member 20. Therefore, the compositeabsorbent member 22 can become completely saturated before the fluid istaken up by the transfer delay member 20. The fluid is also wicked alongthe length of the transfer delay member 20 and the composite absorbentmember 22, thereby keeping the fluid away from the edges of theabsorbent article 10. This allows for a greater utilization of theabsorbent core 16 and helps reduce the likelihood of side leakage.

[0058] In addition to being utilized in an absorbent article in a mannersuch as described above, the composite member of the present inventionmay also be utilized in various other ways. For example, referring againto FIG. 4, the composite member of the present invention can function asthe absorbent core 16 of the absorbent article 10. In such instances,the outer layer 70 can function in a manner similar to the intake member18 by absorbing fluids at a relatively fast rate. Likewise, the innerlayer 74 can function in a manner similar to the transfer delay member20 by inhibiting the flow of the fluids into the outer layer 72. Inaddition, the outer layer 72 can contain a certain amount ofthermoplastic polymer so that it enhances the Edge-Compression value ofthe resulting composite member. In other embodiments, the compositeabsorbent member of the present invention may constitute the entireabsorbent article. For example, in one embodiment, at least one outerlayer of the composite absorbent member can be made relativelyliquid-impermeable so that it can readily function as theliquid-impermeable baffle described above. Similarly, the compositeabsorbent member can contain one or more layers to function as theabsorbent core and an additional layer that functions as a cover.

[0059] Although various embodiments of absorbent articles have beendescribed above, it should be understood that other absorbent articleconfigurations are also contemplated by the present invention. Forinstance, the materials described above are not required in allinstances. Moreover, other materials not specifically discussed hereinmay also be utilized to form the absorbent article. For example, variousconfigurations of absorbent articles that can be used in the presentinvention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,160,197 to Lassen, et al.,5,649,916 to DiPalma, et al., 5,609,588 to DiPalma, et al., and5,248,309 to Serbiak, et al., which are incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference thereto for all purposes.

[0060] The present invention may be better understood with reference tothe following example.

EXAMPLE

[0061] The ability to form a composite absorbent member in accordancewith the present invention was demonstrated. In particular, atwo-layered, composite coform material was formed according to thegeneral procedures substantially described above and illustrated in FIG.2, except that only 2 meltblown units were utilized. For instance,polypropylene resin (PD 701—Hercules) was initially extruded from aseries of orifices. The extrusion rate was at about 9 pounds per inchper hour from each of the two (2) meltblown units. The extrusion was ata final temperature of about 500° F. and fibers were attenuated inprimary air streams flowing at a sonic velocity and a combined rate ofabout 325 SCFM at a temperature of about 510° F.

[0062] The secondary air stream containing suspended pulp fluff wascomprised of Southern pine bleached kraft. The pulp was picked andforced into a fiber jet approximately 2 inches from the primary airstream and 1.5 inches below the die tip. The velocity of the primary airwas between about 2 times the velocity of the secondary stream at thepoint it was introduced. The composite coform material was collected ona wire mesh belt, which was about 10 inches below the extrusion die tip.For the samples below, the speed of the wire mesh belt was varied frombetween about 160 feet per minute (fpm) to about 330 fpm.

[0063] The first meltblown unit in which pulp fibers were added wasplaced downstream from the second meltblown unit. The two meltblownunits were essentially identical, except that each were supplied withdiffering pulp fiber contents as set forth below in Tables 1-2.

[0064] For samples 9-10, a spunbond transfer delay member (0.4 osy) wasused as a carrier for the absorbent member, while for samples 11-12, aspunbond transfer delay member (0.8 osy) as a carrier for the absorbentmember.

[0065] The properties of the samples are set forth below in Tables 1-2.TABLE 1 Sample Properties Bank 1 Bank 2 Polymer Pulp Polymer Pulp BasisWt. Thickness Density Sample (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) (gsm) (mm)(g/cc) 1 50 50 50 50 162.4274 1.9067 0.0856 2 40 60 60 40 169.85452.1500 0.0793 3 30 70 70 30 168.9934 2.2950 0.0738 4 20 80 80 20171.4691 2.2300 0.0771 5 40 60 70 30 172.2226 2.1267 0.0811 6 40 60 8020 178.0351 2.1600 0.0826 7 30 70 40 60 160.7052 2.1850 0.0737 8 30 7080 20 163.2885 2.0783 0.0788 9 40 60 40 60 185.6775 1.9567 0.0950 10 6040 30 70 185.8927 2.0033 0.0930 11 40 60 40 60 200.9622 2.1000 0.0957 1260 40 30 70 202.4692 2.2033 0.0921 13 40 60 70 30 161.8892 2.1100 0.076814 40 60 80 20 172.5455 2.1200 0.0814

[0066] TABLE 2 Sample Properties Bank 1 Bank 2 Polymer Pulp Polymer PulpBasis Wt. Thickness Density Sample (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) (gsm)(mm) (g/cc) 15 40 60 40 60 164.2573 2.0317 0.0810 16 35 65 35 65163.8267 2.1317 0.0771 17 30 70 30 70 158.6600 2.1750 0.0731

[0067] Once the composite coform material was formed, various propertiesof the resulting absorbent members were tested. In particular, theEdge-Compression (EC) value of a 2″×12″ specimen of the material wasdetermined as substantially described above, except that a manualinstrument was used to determine the buckling weight instead an Instrontensile tester. Specifically, the manual instrument contained two (2)plexiglass platens having a size larger than the sample. The sample wasprepared as described above and placed between the platens. Calibratedweights were then placed on the top platen until the sample collapsed.The weight required to collapse the sample was recorded.

[0068] Moreover, the penetration (intake) rate and MD tensile strengthof the absorbent members were determined as follows:

[0069] Penetration (Intake) Rate: To measure how quickly the coformmaterial would accept a liquid, a penetration rate test was performedusing “Z-Date,” a synthetic menstrual fluid formulation available fromPPG Industries, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa. that contains, on a weightpercent basis, approximately 82.5% water, 15.8% polyvinyl pyrrolidoneand 1.7% salts, coloring agents and surfactants. “Z-Date” has aviscosity of 17 centipoise and a surface tension of 53.5 dynes percentimeter. To determine the penetration rate, a 3″×7″ sample of theabsorbent member was initially applied with 4 mL of the syntheticmenstrual fluid, which was delivered from a fluid reservoir having a2″×0.5″ delivery slot. The time to absorb 4 mL of fluid was thenmeasured in seconds. A lower absorption time as measured in seconds wasan indication of a faster intake rate for the particular material. Thetest was run at conditions of 73.4°+/−3.6° F. and 50%+/−5% relativehumidity. Such a procedure is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,240to Jackson, et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference thereto for all purposes.

[0070] MD Tensile Strength

[0071] MD (machine direction) tensile strength was determined using aMTS/Sintech tensile tester (available from the MTS Systems Corp., EdenPrairie, Minn.). Samples measuring 3 inch wide were cut in the machinedirection. For each test, a sample strip was placed in the jaws of thetester, set at a 4 inch gauge length for facial tissue and 2 inch gaugelength for bath tissue. The crosshead speed during the test was 10inches per minute. The tester was connected with a computer loaded withdata acquisition system; e.g., MTS TestWork for windows software.Readings were taken directly from a computer screen readout at the pointof rupture to obtain the MD tensile strength of an individual sample.

[0072] The results are given below in Table 3. TABLE 3 Sample ResultsSample EC (g) Penetration Rate (s) MD Tensile (g) 1 369.23 23.6671997.10 2 421.55 37.500 2001.18 3 436.55 22.000 2451.13 4 399.22 19.1672431.93 5 534.57 22.667 2618.33 6 698.47 37.667 3268.18 7 380.82 14.8331653.27 8 416.83 25.333 2496.22 9 378.60 20.500 4346.78 10 375.21 20.5004721.72 11 355.34 21.000 5135.52 12 415.04 37.167 N/A 13 544.82 37.167N/A 14 498.07 46.667 N/A 15 284.26 14.167 1491.88 16 178.20 19.8331188.14 17 137.00 18.333 994.28

[0073] For comparative purposes, an airlaid cellulosic tissue was formedhaving a basis weight of 175 gsm, a caliper of 2.19 mm, and a density of0.08 g/cc. The EC value, penetration rate, and MD Tensile strength ofthe airlaid tissue was tested as described above. The results are givenbelow Table 4. TABLE 4 Control Sample Results Sample EC (g) PenetrationRate (s) MD Tensile (g) 18 450.73 75.167 1958.47

[0074] Thus, as demonstrated above, a composite absorbent member formedaccording to the present invention can have good absorptioncharacteristics, while also maintaining a relatively highEdge-Compression (EC) value. For instance, the control sample had an ECvalue of 450.73 grams, while absorbent members formed according to thepresent invention had EC values up to 698.47 grams while stillmaintaining a good intake rate. Such high EC values reflect the abilityof absorbent members of the present invention, even when used in thinabsorbent articles, to inhibit bunching and twisting.

[0075] While the invention has been described in detail with respect tothe specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that thoseskilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing,may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalentsto these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventionshould be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalentsthereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composite absorbent member having a first layerpositioned between second and third layers, said first layer and saidsecond and third layers each containing pulp fibers, wherein the weightpercentage of pulp fibers within said first layer is greater than theweight percentage of pulp fibers within said second layer and the weightpercentage of pulp fibers within said third layer, and wherein theaverage diameter of the pores within said first layer is smaller thanthe average diameter of the pores within said second layer and saidthird layer.
 2. A composite absorbent member as defined in claim 1,wherein said first, second, and third layers each contain thermoplasticfibers.
 3. A composite absorbent member as defined in claim 2, whereinsaid thermoplastic fibers are meltblown fibers.
 4. A composite absorbentmember as defined in claim 1, wherein the amount of pulp fibers presentwithin said first layer is at least about 10% by weight greater than theamount of pulp fibers present within said second layer and said thirdlayer.
 5. A composite absorbent member as defined in claim 1, whereinthe amount of pulp fibers present within said first layer is at leastabout 25% by weight greater than the amount of pulp fibers presentwithin said second layer and said third layer.
 6. A composite absorbentmember as defined in claim 1, wherein the average pore size within saidfirst layer is at least about 10% smaller than the average pore sizewithin said second layer and said third layer.
 7. A composite absorbentmember as defined in claim 1, wherein the average pore size within saidfirst layer is at least about 25% smaller than the average pore sizewithin said second layer and said third layer.
 8. A composite absorbentmember as defined in claim 1, wherein the average pore size within saidfirst layer is at least about 50% smaller than the average pore sizewithin said second layer and said third layer.
 9. A composite absorbentmember as defined in claim 1, wherein the composite absorbent member hasan Edge Compression value of greater than about 100 grams.
 10. Acomposite absorbent member as defined in claim 1, wherein the compositeabsorbent member has an Edge Compression value of from about 150 gramsto about 800 grams.
 11. A composite absorbent member as defined in claim1, wherein the composite absorbent member has an Edge Compression valueof from about 300 grams to about 600 grams.
 12. A composite absorbentmember as defined in claim 1, wherein the basis weight of said compositeabsorbent member is from about 150 grams per square meter to about 250grams per square meter.
 13. A composite absorbent member as defined inclaim 1, wherein the basis weight of said composite absorbent member isfrom about 150 grams per square meter to about 200 grams per squaremeter.
 14. A composite absorbent member for use in a sanitary napkin,said composite absorbent member having an inner layer positioned betweenfirst and second outer layers, said inner layer and said first andsecond outer layers each containing thermoplastic meltblown fibers andpulp fibers, wherein the weight percentage of pulp fibers within saidinner layer is at least about 10% greater than the weight percentage ofpulp fibers within said first outer layer and said second outer layer,and wherein the average diameter of the pores within said inner layer issmaller than the average diameter of the pores within said first outerlayer and said second outer layer.
 15. A composite absorbent member asdefined in claim 14, wherein the amount of pulp fibers present withinsaid inner layer is at least about 25% by weight greater than the amountof pulp fibers present within said first outer layer and second outerlayer.
 16. A composite absorbent member as defined in claim 14, whereinthe average pore size within said inner layer is at least about 25%smaller than the average pore size within said first outer layer andsaid second outer layer.
 17. A composite absorbent member as defined inclaim 14, wherein the average pore size within said inner layer is atleast about 50% smaller than the average pore size within said firstouter layer and said second outer layer.
 18. A composite absorbentmember as defined in claim 14, wherein the composite absorbent memberhas an Edge Compression value of greater than about 100 grams.
 19. Acomposite absorbent member as defined in claim 14, wherein the compositeabsorbent member has an Edge Compression value of from about 150 gramsto about 800 grams.
 20. A composite absorbent member as defined in claim14, wherein the composite absorbent member has an Edge Compression valueof from about 300 grams to about 600 grams.
 21. A composite absorbentmember as defined in claim 14, wherein the basis weight of saidcomposite absorbent member is from about 150 grams per square meter toabout 250 grams per square meter.
 22. A composite absorbent member asdefined in claim 14, wherein the basis weight of said compositeabsorbent member is from about 150 grams per square meter to about 200grams per square meter.
 23. A composite absorbent member as defined inclaim 14, wherein the sanitary napkin has a caliper less than about 15millimeters.
 24. A composite absorbent member as defined in claim 14,wherein the sanitary napkin has a caliper less than about 5 millimeters.25. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable cover and aliquid-impermeable baffle; and an absorbent core positioned between saidliquid-permeable cover and said liquid-impermeable baffle, saidabsorbent core containing a composite absorbent member, wherein saidcomposite absorbent member has adjacent first and second layers thateach contain thermoplastic meltblown fibers and pulp fibers, wherein theweight percentage of pulp fibers within said first layer is greater thanthe weight percentage of pulp fibers within said second layer, andwherein the average diameter of the pores within said first layer issmaller than the average diameter of the pores within said second layer.26. An absorbent article as defined in claim 25, wherein the amount ofpulp fibers present within said first layer is at least about 10% byweight greater than the amount of pulp fibers present within said secondlayer.
 27. An absorbent article as defined in claim 25, wherein theamount of pulp fibers present within said first layer is at least about25% by weight greater than the amount of pulp fibers present within saidsecond layer.
 28. An absorbent article as defined in claim 25, whereinthe average pore size within said first layer is at least about 25%smaller than the average pore size within said second layer.
 29. Anabsorbent article as defined in claim 25, wherein the average pore sizewithin said first layer is at least about 50% smaller than the averagepore size within said second layer.
 30. An absorbent article as definedin claim 25, wherein said thermoplastic fibers are meltblown fibers. 31.An absorbent article as defined in claim 25, wherein the compositeabsorbent member has an Edge Compression value of greater than about 100grams.
 32. An absorbent article as defined in claim 25, wherein thecomposite absorbent member has an Edge Compression value of from about150 grams to about 800 grams.
 33. An absorbent article as defined inclaim 25, wherein the composite absorbent member has an Edge Compressionvalue of from about 300 grams to about 600 grams.
 34. An absorbentarticle as defined in claim 25, wherein the basis weight of saidcomposite absorbent member is from about 150 grams per square meter toabout 250 grams per square meter.
 35. An absorbent article as defined inclaim 25, wherein the basis weight of said composite absorbent member isfrom about 150 grams per square meter to about 200 grams per squaremeter.
 36. An absorbent article as defined in claim 25, wherein saidabsorbent core further comprises an intake member.
 37. An absorbentarticle as defined in claim 36, wherein said intake member is positionedadjacent to said liquid-permeable cover.
 38. An absorbent article asdefined in claim 37, wherein said absorbent core further comprises atransfer delay member positioned adjacent to said intake member.
 39. Anabsorbent article as defined in claim 38, wherein said compositeabsorbent member is positioned between said transfer delay member andsaid liquid-impermeable baffle.
 40. An absorbent article as defined inclaim 25, wherein the absorbent article has a caliper less than about 15millimeters.
 41. An absorbent article as defined in claim 25, whereinthe absorbent article has a caliper less than about 5 millimeters.